A large number of women suffer from the menace of ovarian cancer all over the world. An alarming increase is being witnessed in the rate of women suffering from this problem. It is very important to take some preventive measures to fight this disease. Though, there are several ways through which this problem can be prevented, sometimes a woman may have to undergo surgery. Some tips to fight ovarian cancer are-
- One of the most important tips to fight ovarian cancer is use of pills meant for birth control. These pills will not only avoid unwanted pregnancy, it also helps in reducing risk of developing ovarian cancer. It is believed that ovarian cancer can be reduced by 40-50 percent when following this tip. After using these pills for five years, the risks are decreased considerably. If the duration of using oral contraceptives is high, the risk of being afflicted by this condition reduces accordingly.
- Another tip to fight ovarian cancer is by following regular exercise and diet modification. Women are recommended to eat a high fibre, low fat diet. They should also reduce alcohol and meat consumption. According to studies conducted in this field, following this tip for four years can significantly reduce the chances of developing cancer in ovaries.
- Women must exercise regularly. They must exercise at least three times in a week so as to maintain percentage in body fat keeping it within the accepted range. If BMI or Body Mass Index in adults above 18 years of age is more than 25, they are prone to a risk of suffering from ovarian cancer.
- Many physicians place the blame of ovarian cancer on child bearing as statistics related to pregnancy are worth noting.
The possibility of women being afflicted with ovarian cancer is 30 percent to 60 percent high among women who have borne children in comparison to those who have not. Additionally, the risk of ovarian cancer is relatively low in women who have delivered their first child before reaching the age of 30 years. Successive pregnancy reduces ovarian cancer risk. When women are breast feeding their children, the level of progesterone and estrogen hormones drop which offers a protection against cancer in the ovaries.
Genetic counselling is another way through which ovarian cancer can be avoided. Physicians carry out genetic analysis to identify if a woman falls under high-risk category. This analysis will help to take well informed decisions regarding strategies related to prevention.
The last resort to fight this condition is by undergoing surgery. Tubal ligation is one such procedure where fallopian tubes are tied preventing pregnancy. Ovary removal is also one of the options that will keep a woman safe from the risk of ovarian cancer.
Another option is a procedure known as tubal ligation. It is a surgical procedure in which the fallopian tubes are tied to prevent pregnancy. The risk of ovarian cancer is decreased in women who undergo tubal ligation after childbearing, although the mechanism for the protective effect is unknown. Some experts theorize that tubal ligation or hysterectomy -the surgical removal of the womb-may stop carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) from reaching the ovaries after they enter the body through the vagina.
A third and more drastic option is ovary removal. If a woman is over age 40 and hysterectomy is being performed for a noncancerous condition, such as uterine fibroids, she may decide to have her ovaries removed during this operation to lower her risk of ovarian cancer. This procedure- causes early menopause in pre-menopausal women and is usually recommended only for women who have completed their families and have a strong family history of ovarian cancer.
It should also be noted that removal of the ovaries does not ensure protection in all high-risk patients. Cancers still may form from lining cells within the pelvic cavity despite the removal of normal ovaries.